Spring Tour: New Zealand vs Ireland - 2nd Test. (16/6/2012, 07:35 GMT)

[big ginger 8]

Rugby League Park, Christchurch (16/06/2012, 07:35 GMT)

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant Referees: Romain Poite, Pascal Gauzere (both France)
Television Match Official: Matt Goddard (Australia)

New Zealand		Ireland
Israel Dagg	15	Rob Kearney
Zac Guildford	14	Fergus McFadden
Conrad Smith	13	Brain O'Driscoll (c)
Sonny Bill Williams	12	Gordon D'Arcy
Julian Savea	11	Andrew Trimble
Daniel Carter	10	Jonathan Sexton
Aaron Smith	9	Conor Murray
Kieran Read	8	Jamie Heaslip
Richie McCaw (c)	7	Sean O'Brien
Adam Thomson	6	Kevin McLaughlin
Samuel Whitelock	5	Donnacha Ryan
Brodie Retallick	4	Dan Touhy
Owen Franks	3	Mike Ross
Andrew Hore	2	Rory Best
Tony Woodcock	1	Cian Healy
Hikawera Elliot	16	Sean Cronin
Ben Franks	17	Declan Fitzpatrick
Ali Williams	18	Donncha O'Callaghan
Sam Cane	19	Peter O'Mahony
Piri Weepu	20	Eoin Reddan
Aaron Cruden	21	Ronan O'Gara
Ben Smith	22	Simon Zebo

Why are we calling them Spring tests? June isn't Spring.

Anyway I'm really hoping Hansen experiments a bit more or at least puts Weepu at 9 and we play a stronger side. Chances are we be without Healy, Fitzpatrick and Ross which would really screw us up. So here's my team.

1. Healy/Wilkinson
2. Cronin (I'd like Best to get a bit of a rest, Cronin ads more dynamism and I want him to fully prove he's fixed his throwing)
3. Ross/Fitzpatrick/Loughney
4. Tuohy
5. Ryan
6. O'Brien
7. Henry (PO'M din't really do anything wrong but if Henry's fit I'd like him to get a go)
8. Heaslip
9. Reddan
10 Sexton
11. Earls
12. Cave
13. O'Driscoll (left and right on attack BO'D at 12 on defense)
14. Trimble
15. Kearney

16. Sherry
17 Fitzpatrick/ Loughney/ anyone but Archer preferably Hagan
18. McCarthy
19. O'Mahony
20. Marshall (I'd like him to get a go at least)
21. O'Gara (wish we had Madigan in the squad)
22. McFadden

[Saintjay]

Is it not spring in the SH?.

[big ginger 8]

According to this it's Winter in Aus at least which would mean the others as well.

http://australia.gov.au/about-austra...nd-the-seasons

[smartcooky]

Is it not spring in the SH?.

Nope, its winter.

Spring begins in September... your Autumn

[big ginger 8]

Great that the seasons are more conversation worthy than the match. My last comment on the seasons "Winter is coming".

[Jabby]

this look like spring!?

[Peat]

Great that the seasons are more conversation worthy than the match. My last comment on the seasons "Winter is coming".

I've something for you to talk about...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18386476

So it begins. Third test should be gristly.

edit: And Apparently you called up Gavin Duffy.

[Saintjay]

this look like spring!?

We tend to have snow in spring so I would say yes but that charming young lady is clearly wearing summer beach wear so now I am all confused.

[Jabby]

We tend to have snow in spring so I would say yes but that charming young lady is clearly wearing summer beach wear so now I am all confused.

...i think she is too

[big ginger 8]

I've something for you to talk about...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18386476

So it begins. Third test should be gristly.

edit: And Apparently you called up Gavin Duffy.

Ffs typical. What does Gilroy have to do? So if Earls is injured McFadden to wing D'arcy bench is what I'd want.

[osulli mi]

Did Gilroy run over Kidney's dog or something?

[dudeabides]

I hope Ireland can beat them this time around, or at least keep things way more competitive.

[Larksea]

can't we just call them June Internationals? Though I have no objection to pictures of girls running around in the snow with very little on...

back onto this test. I thought the Irish had a real shot at winning this last game really they did not get their game plan right or put enough pressure on where they needed. I think now they are in serious danger of getting a thrashing next weekend, because I think for sure the All Blacks have another Gear they can shift too. The new players will keep improving and some changes could come to make the side stronger. So the Irish really need to find two more Gears and really lift in a big way. They simply did not streatch the AB's - their only try came from a mistake when the AB's were hot on attack.

Changes for the AB's? I think they will make changes, I think it would be a goal for the coaches that all 30-31 (Mealamu included) players get game time.

Vito is out so Thomson will start and Cane will come to the bench.

You would have to think that Nonu will be involved, either on the bench or starting in which case SBW will likely go to the bench. Nonu isn't more of a threat than SBW and isn't as good on defense as SBW but he is a different threat all together - even mroe so in a scenario where he is under selection pressure. You would have to think that a couple weeks off and being in the AB training camp will get the best out of Nonu.

I'd also like to see Ben Smith Start on the wing.

We may also see Ali Williams start and Romano make the 22. Though I would like to see Retalick continue and get time to establish himself The Whitlock/Retalick Combo just has an element of pure class about it and the potential to be world dominating for many years.

The fact they have 5 props in the squad suggests that we will see front row changes, though the combo used last weekend was clearly the #1 selection I reckon Tameifuna and Crockett will get involved at some point. If only to share the workload so the top guys don't get overworked before going back to super rugby.

Guess we will find out first thing Thursday morning

[Peat]

Did Gilroy run over Kidney's dog or something?

With a tractor with spiked wheels

In fairness, Earls was the only FB cover there, and Gilroy's not exactly an expert there...

[TRF_Olyy]

What about Dave Kearney? I would've thought he'd be up near the top of the list and has experience of playing FB.

Then again, Kidney wants what Kidney wants.

[TRF_Darwin]

back onto this test. I thought the Irish had a real shot at winning this last game really they did not get their game plan right or put enough pressure on where they needed. I think now they are in serious danger of getting a thrashing next weekend, because I think for sure the All Blacks have another Gear they can shift too. The new players will keep improving and some changes could come to make the side stronger. So the Irish really need to find two more Gears and really lift in a big way. They simply did not streatch the AB's - their only try came from a mistake when the AB's were hot on attack.

TRF_nickdnz likes this.

[Jabby]

I'd also like to see Ben Smith Start on the wing.

if your going to have both on the field i think dagg on the wing and smith at full back is a stronger combo than the other way around. i would rather see smith bringing it up from the back and unleashing dagg. i think smith plays better with some space where as dagg is equally good where ever he is

[TRF_Darwin]

Vito definitely out, with Read also in doubt after a head knock (http://tvnz.co.nz/all-blacks/look-ad...-cover-4922797). It sounds like they are looking at adding another loosie to the squad, which I would guess would be Messam. If Read is out it will be interesting to see what they do: one option would be to go with 6. Thomson, 7. Cane, 8. McCaw, though it is possible they may bring someone like Messam straight into the starting lineup at no. 8 (with Thomson and McCaw on the flanks) and give Cane his debut off the bench...

[HB Scot]

Got the impression from an interview with Hansen that he may not be that keen on the rotation policy as Henry was. Injuries will mean that there will be some juggling on the back row, if Messam is called up then he will be champing at the bit. Messam has had a great season with the Cheifs and would be the natural selection for cover to 6 and 8.

[Peat]

What about Dave Kearney? I would've thought he'd be up near the top of the list and has experience of playing FB.

Then again, Kidney wants what Kidney wants.

Well, yeah... didn't like to say it... but yes, that'd be an interesting non-conservative option.

Vito definitely out, with Read also in doubt after a head knock (http://tvnz.co.nz/all-blacks/look-ad...-cover-4922797). It sounds like they are looking at adding another loosie to the squad, which I would guess would be Messam. If Read is out it will be interesting to see what they do: one option would be to go with 6. Thomson, 7. Cane, 8. McCaw, though it is possible they may bring someone like Messam straight into the starting lineup at no. 8 (with Thomson and McCaw on the flanks) and give Cane his debut off the bench...

McCaw can play 8?

[Jabby]

Vito definitely out, with Read also in doubt after a head knock (http://tvnz.co.nz/all-blacks/look-ad...-cover-4922797). It sounds like they are looking at adding another loosie to the squad, which I would guess would be Messam. If Read is out it will be interesting to see what they do: one option would be to go with 6. Thomson, 7. Cane, 8. McCaw, though it is possible they may bring someone like Messam straight into the starting lineup at no. 8 (with Thomson and McCaw on the flanks) and give Cane his debut off the bench...

in the interest of blooding a replacement for Richie i would go with McCaw at 8 and cane at 7. if you cant field the best team due to injury then they should make the most of it and build for the future. i dont rate the idea of bring guys in and them leap frogging other who have been in the squad from the start. cover should come onto the bench

[TRF_Darwin]

McCaw can play 8?

He can play while wearing a jersey with an 8 on the back

He has played a few matches for Canterbury and the Crusaders over the years at 8, and covered there at times for the AB's (don't think he has had any starts though). He is certainly not a genuine number 8 by any means, but would do a solid job in the position (he would probably only pack at 8 on attacking scrums, with Thomson at 8 on defensive scrums...).

[Larksea]

I'd be over the moon if Messam gets called in but I think if it was going to happen it would have already been done. Should have been in from day 1.

My bet is Read is ok and Cane will come onto the bench. A bit of a head knock wont stop Read.

[Peat]

He can play while wearing a jersey with an 8 on the back

He has played a few matches for Canterbury and the Crusaders over the years at 8, and covered there at times for the AB's (don't think he has had any starts though). He is certainly not a genuine number 8 by any means, but would do a solid job in the position (he would probably only pack at 8 on attacking scrums, with Thomson at 8 on defensive scrums...).

As long as he can control a ball at the back of the scrum, it'll be fine to a point I guess. But I'd avoid doing it in any competitive game as there's a few issues with not fielding a real 8.

That said... I'm contemplating betting my life savings on this one. So it'd probably be fine.

[TRF_nickdnz]

Can't help but feel providing Read is alright, that it's time for 6. McCaw, 7. Cane, 8. Read. It's been talked about before, but everyone has realised for a while that Richie McCaw can't continue his career much longer at openside. It relies too heavily on being the first to the breakdown and to be honest, I think Pocock and Brussow are young enough to meet the physical demands needed at openside. Robbie Deans is going on about Pocock being the best pilferer he's ever seen and while I think McCaw was better at it 3-4 seasons ago, now he's not. He should work on his ball running as right now I never feel he's especially ineffective in that area, but he could make a worthy replacement for Kaino if Vito fails to step up.

[TRF_Darwin]

As long as he can control a ball at the back of the scrum, it'll be fine to a point I guess. But I'd avoid doing it in any competitive game as there's a few issues with not fielding a real 8.

That said... I'm contemplating betting my life savings on this one. So it'd probably be fine.

Yeah, he is generally fine at the back of an AB's / Crusaders scrum. In saying that, I think I would be fine controlling the ball at the back of an AB's / Crusaders scrum (though I probably wouldn't add a lot of weight....).

[Peat]

Yeah, he is generally fine at the back of an AB's / Crusaders scrum. In saying that, I think I would be fine controlling the ball at the back of an AB's / Crusaders scrum (though I probably wouldn't add a lot of weight....).

You say that, but the Irish might be calling up Tony Buckley. Yeah. That'd teach you.

Seriously though, the odds are only 1/100... that is basically free money if you've got a couple of grand sitting around, best damn investment you'll get on a week's use of your money...

[Larksea]

personally I would think playing McCaw or Thompson at #8 is a bad idea

[Invictus]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/a...ation-squashed

Read confirmed fine to start, so we'll see 6 Thomson, 7 McCaw, 8 Read with Cane on the bench, probably replacing Thomson after around 55-60 minutes.

[irelandfan123]

Just watched the last match, I can draw a few positives for Ireland:
Kearney was great
Brian O'Driscoll ate through a mountain of defensive work
Rory Best was great looked really sharp as did O'Brien
Sonny Bill Williams looked like he was getting bullied around the park
Fitzpatrick looked solid for a first cap
And some really nice breakdown work in the early second half

Negatives:
We just lost 42-10
Looked below par defensively
we got bullied by the back three
Sexton and Murray adding stupid kicks to nothing really f**ked us
Murray was slow
injuries are gunna hurt next time round even more than they have
and Carter looks as good as ever which is terrifying